Eligard 7.5mg Injection

About

Leuprolide acetate is a synthetic nonapeptide analog of naturally occurring gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). It acts as a potent inhibitor of gonadotropin secretion when administered continuously. Initially, it causes a transient increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion, leading to a temporary surge in gonadal steroid production (testosterone in males, estrogen in females). However, with continuous administration, leuprolide desensitizes and downregulates the GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland, resulting in a profound and sustained suppression of LH and FSH release.

This suppression ultimately leads to a significant reduction in gonadal steroid levels, achieving medical castration. This effect is therapeutically beneficial in hormone-dependent conditions. In men, it reduces testosterone to castration levels, which is crucial for managing prostate cancer. In women, it reduces estrogen levels, used in conditions like endometriosis and uterine fibroids. The depot formulations provide sustained release over several weeks or months, offering convenience and consistent hormonal suppression.

Uses

• Palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
• Management of endometriosis.
• Treatment of uterine fibroids (leiomyomata uteri).
• Central precocious puberty (CPP) in children.

Directions For Use

Administer as a subcutaneous injection by a healthcare professional according to the prescribed schedule. Do not self-administer.

Benefits

• Effectively reduces testosterone levels in prostate cancer.
• Alleviates pain and symptoms associated with endometriosis.
• Reduces the size of uterine fibroids.
• Delays puberty progression in central precocious puberty.
• Offers long-acting formulations for convenience.
• Provides a non-surgical option for hormone-dependent conditions.

Side Effects

• Hot flashes
• Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling)
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Bone pain (initial flare in prostate cancer)
• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction (in men)
• Vaginal dryness (in women)
• Mood changes/Depression
• Decreased bone mineral density
• Weight changes

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - No specific interaction with alcohol is noted, but general moderation is advised for overall health.
• Pregnancy - Leuprolide is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of fetal harm; effective contraception must be used during treatment.
• Breastfeeding - It is not known if leuprolide is excreted in human milk; breastfeeding is generally not recommended due to potential adverse effects on the infant.
• Liver - Use with caution in patients with significant liver impairment, though specific dose adjustments are not typically required.
• Kidney - No specific dose adjustment is generally needed for patients with renal impairment, but monitoring is advisable in severe cases.
• Lung - No specific contraindications or dose adjustments related to lung conditions are generally noted, but overall patient health should be considered.

Disclaimer

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